Zone Managers help Springfield avoid infrastructure problems

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Until recently, most Springfield citizens only interacted with the Office of Public Works if they did something wrong, or if they had a problem. But with the addition of 5 new zone managers, the Office of Public Works is hoping to build a better connection with the community.

"They can spot when it's an issue, but not yet a problem," said Dave Fuchs, the Director of Public Works. "And we are going to try and deal with it before it becomes a problem, and before it really has a negative impact on the individuals that happen to live, reside and work in a particular neighborhood."

Each zone manager is assigned two wards to cover. Every weekday, they will travel around their specific zone and look for any potential issues. This can include cracking sidewalks, potholes, or tree branches leaning too close to the road. They will help connect community members with certain departments within the city and hopefully speed up response times.

"I'm a one person show for the entire city, so every single right-of-way tree — which is probably over 100,000 trees — I'm responsible for and it's impossible to look at all of them," said Bradley Hamel, the Springfield City Arborist. "So it really helps to have good zone managers out there supporting us."

One of the zone managers is Brady Zeiger. For the past few months, he has been training with various city departments to learn what potential damages to look out for. He is glad his job helps Springfield residents have more pride in the city.

"We are here to help the public and help you if you have to find out how to fix something or who to contact," said Zeiger. "I'm a born and raised north-ender, and I'm glad that I'm over in this part of the neighborhood to help everyone out that I can."

To get help with a public works problem, you can contact the Office of Public Works. They will then connect you with your zone manager.